Sunderland boss Steve Bruce wanted to wait on Stephane Sessegnon

Stephane Sessegnon in front of Sunderland fans after his penalty spot goal against Wigan Athletic. Picture by FRANK REID

Published:10:30Thursday 28 April 2011

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STEVE Bruce admits he would have waited until now to unleash Stephane Sessegnon on the Premier League, if Sunderland hadn’t been hamstrung by injuries.

Sessegnon featured in a winning Sunderland side for the first time in last weekend’s victory over Wigan Athletic after making 10 appearances since his £6million January move from Paris St Germain.

The 26-year-old has taken his time to adapt to both the language barrier and the pace of the Premier League, but looked transformed after scoring his first Sunderland goal from the penalty spot against the Latics.

Black Cats boss Bruce had hoped to introduce Sessegnon, right, gently into the Premier League only for Sunderland’s catalogue of injuries to force his hand.